PEORIA, Ariz.  With a few strokes of the pen, the Padres sent a message to their players and fans alike Saturday.

The Padres signed Cameron Maybin to a contract extension that commits the athletic center fielder to the Padres through the 2017 season – meaning the Padres have bought out three years of arbitration and the first two seasons of free agency.

The Maybin contract marks the first time since 2007 that the Padres have extended a younger player that they controlled – possibly signaling a change in direction.

“We’ve targeted several younger players for extended contracts and Cameron’s name is the first off the board,” said Padres CEO Jeff Moorad.

“I think this signing is good for everyone. I hope it sends a message to the fans. With the farm system developing talent, we’ll be making commitments and offering security to some players.”

The Padres are also far along in extension talks with catch Nick Hundley.

Maybin’s contract covers a minimum of five years and $25 million, but could be worth $33 million if the Padres pick up the club option for 2017. Maybin was eligible to become a free agent after the 2015 season.

Maybin will get a $500,000 signing bonus plus a $500,000 contract for 2012. He will make $3 million in 2013, $5 million in 2014, $7 million in2015, $8 million in 2016 and $9 million against a $1 million buyout in 2017.

The $33 million commitment is just $4 million shy of the Padres entire payroll for 2010.

Maybin is the first Padre signed to an extension since Jake Peavy, Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young were all extended before the 2007 season.

“I think this is a great sign, for Cameron, the club for everyone,” said Chase Headley. “It shows they want to sustain what they’ve been building and that’s good for everyone.”

“This is definitely the place I want to be and I hope to play here a long time,” said Maybin, whose new contract does not include a no-trade clause.

“These guys want me to be the face of the franchise, which I’m ready to be.”

Maybin, who turns 25 on April 4, was voted the Padres Most Valuable Player in 2011 by the San Diego chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

He hit .264 last season with nine homers and 40 RBI in 137 games. He also had 40 steals and a .323 on-base percentage.

He led the Padres in runs scored (82), triples (eight) and steals while tying for fourth in the major leagues in stolen bases. Thirty-seven of Maybin’s 136 hits were infield hits, the second-highest total in franchise history.

Maybin played 137 games and started 132 games in center field, missing 15 days in June while on the disabled list with an inflamed knee and time late in the season with a sore wrist.

In addition to his offensive numbers, Maybin’s defensive zone rating was the second-highest among National League center fielders.

"Cameron has certainly emerged as a core player,” said Padres general manager Josh Byrnes. “These contracts make a lot of sense. I do believe in the concept, it’s a win-win contract model.